One of the biggest things that I think was missing from the Water Master Bruin was good rod holders. Flycraft had them, NRS Slipstreams had them,  but the Bruin did not … until now. Rich from Water Master sent me a pair of Riversmith Swiftcast rod holders to test out during a 5-day trip down the Grande Ronde River. I figured I’d share my experience in a video to help anyone considering these for their setup. No frills, just the real deal.

Setting Up on the Bruin:
I managed to set up two rod holders on the Bruin—one facing forward and the other backward. Front access wasn’t the smoothest for the front angler while floating especially with the lean bar up, but it could be done, usually the rower needed to help swap rods just to make sure tips got in ok. I’ll go into more specifics how I mounted everything farther down.

Pros:

1. Functional Rod Protection:
The rod holders do a good job keeping your gear secure in the trays, no drama if you accidentally sit or step on them. The plastic build feels durable. Though if your rod doesn’t fit completely in the tray, then the rod, guides, and flies are exposed.

2. Straightforward Durability:
The plastic used is solid, nothing fancy, just reliable durability for whatever the river throws at you. You definitely can step on it if needed or sit on it (just watch the flies). 

3. Flexible Mounting Options:
You’ve got some flexibility in mounting, though a bit more variety in mounting hardware options would be a plus. There are T tracks on both sides and the bottom that allow you to mount to the mounting brackets. The mounting brackets can be flat or vertical, and there are extension hardware (which I didn’t have) that would probably allow you to raise it up to get it away from anchor cleats etc. I ended up mounting one using half a mounting bracket and a cam strap, which allows you to mount the rod holder, but not create wear points.

4. Simple Reel Security:
For rods 10.5 feet or smaller, the reel locks in, and a bungee prevents unnecessary bouncing. A no-nonsense setup.

5. Versatile for Different Raft Shapes:
The rotating tips of the rod holders accommodate rafts with or without rockers. A practical touch.

Cons:

1. Frame Setup Quirk:
If you mount them on the outside bar, the frame rests on two points, and some edges are a tad sharp. I solved it by using half the bracket and a cam strap—easy fix. If you mount the brackets farther in the raft, then you don’t have to worry about rubbing.

2. Not Ideal for Spey Rods:
Spey rods might face some limitations. Even my trout spey handle didn’t fit in the tray. I was able to slide it back a little and get it to sit flush, but only when I broke the 11′ rod in half. The guides sticking above the trays could be a concern, but if you are careful it shouldn’t be a problem.

3. Two-Piece Removal Process:
Taking the rod  holders off the raft requires that you take apart the pieces. With all the little t-nuts, I think this is a recipe for losing pieces. Not the most convenient, but doable.

4. Consider the Price Point:
These Swiftcast rod holders aren’t exactly budget-friendly at $350. It’s an investment, so weigh that against your budget and having insurance against breaking your rods.

Conclusion:
The Riversmith Swiftcast rod holders are straightforward and get the job done. If you’re after a practical solution for rafting and fishing, these might fit the bill. Just be aware of the quirks, and if they align with your needs, you could find a reliable addition to your Water Master Bruin setup. No hype, just a down-to-earth take on rod holders. For those dropping over $800 for a rod, I think spending $350 is good use of money to protect your investment. I think the versatility and efficiency of having multiple rods strung up is worth it as well. Let me know if you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Leave a comment on the youtube video or come find me on Instagram @theflyfishingfilmmaker